Which Stock Will Benefit Most from BJP's Piped Natural Gas Announcement Till 2029?
The announcement of piped natural gas (PNG) being extended to all by 2029 in India is likely to benefit companies involved in the distribution and infrastructure of natural gas. The biggest beneficiaries could include:
1. **Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL)**: IGL is one of the largest natural gas distribution companies in India. It operates in the National Capital Region (NCR) and supplies PNG to households, industries, and commercial establishments. An expansion of PNG coverage could lead to increased demand for its services.
2. **Gujarat Gas Limited (GGL)**: GGL is another prominent player in the natural gas distribution sector, operating in Gujarat and parts of Maharashtra. As the demand for PNG grows, companies like GGL stand to benefit from increased sales and expansion opportunities.
3. **Adani Gas Limited**: Adani Gas is rapidly expanding its footprint in the natural gas distribution sector across various parts of India. It has been actively bidding for city gas distribution projects and could capitalize on the growing demand for PNG.
4. **Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL)**: MNGL operates in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and nearby areas in Maharashtra. It could see increased demand for its services as more households and industries opt for PNG.
5. **Petronet LNG Limited**: Petronet LNG is India's largest importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and operates LNG terminals in Dahej, Gujarat, and Kochi, Kerala. As the demand for natural gas increases with the expansion of PNG, companies like Petronet LNG could see a rise in LNG imports and regasification activities.
6. **GAIL (India) Limited**: GAIL is a state-owned natural gas processing and distribution company in India. It plays a crucial role in the transmission and marketing of natural gas and operates a vast network of pipelines across the country. With increased demand for natural gas, GAIL's pipeline infrastructure and marketing capabilities could be in higher demand.
7. **Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)** and **Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)**: These state-owned oil and gas companies are involved in various aspects of the energy sector, including natural gas distribution. Both HPCL and BPCL have ventured into city gas distribution projects and could benefit from the growing demand for PNG.
8. **Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)**: RIL, through its subsidiary Reliance Gas Pipelines Limited, operates one of the largest pipeline networks in India. Additionally, with its substantial investment in the development of natural gas fields, including the KG-D6 basin, RIL stands to benefit from increased gas demand and distribution.
9. **Shell India**: Shell is a multinational energy company with operations in India, including natural gas distribution. As the demand for PNG grows, Shell's expertise in LNG supply chain management and distribution could position it as a beneficiary.
10. Likhitha Infrastructure Limited is an Indian company primarily engaged in the business of laying pipeline networks for the transportation of natural gas, water, and other fluids. It operates in the field of pipeline construction and infrastructure development, including city gas distribution (CGD) projects.